Off-Pitch & Press

Leverkusen Admit Ten Hag Hiring Was a Mistake

Bayer Leverkusen
September 2025

Bayer Leverkusen’s managing director Fernando Carro admitted hiring Erik ten Hag was a mistake, though he stressed the club acted quickly by sacking him after two games and installing Kasper Hjulmand, who started with a 3-1 win over Frankfurt. Ten Hag faced criticism for promoting players from his agency and struggled to inspire the squad after replacing Xabi Alonso. Carro called the decision an error but said swift action restored stability, with Hjulmand expected to provide calmer, principled leadership.

Real Madrid Push Refereeing Review After VAR Blunder

Real Madrid
September 2025

Real Madrid are challenging Spain’s refereeing structure after Dean Huijsen’s controversial red card in their 2-1 win at Real Sociedad. The Technical Committee of Referees will review the incident, with VAR official Figueroa Vazquez likely to be sidelined for failing to intervene. Madrid plan to escalate complaints to FIFA, submitting reports of refereeing errors across two seasons. The club’s official channel condemned the decision, accusing officials of damaging sporting integrity, and called for international oversight to improve Spanish officiating standards in the wake of repeated controversies.

Kudus Reunited With Wooden Elephant After Spurs Switch

Mohammed Kudus (Tottenham Hotspur)
September 2025

Mohammed Kudus was reunited with his famous wooden elephant celebration prop after facing former club West Ham. The Ghanaian winger, now at Spurs following a £55m move, returned to the London Stadium and helped his side secure a comfortable 3-0 victory. Kudus, once adored by Hammers fans, was jeered throughout the clash but marked his return in style. Post-match, West Ham handed him the wooden stool he previously used for iconic celebrations, bringing a quirky reminder of his colourful stint in claret and blue.

Postecoglou Blames ‘Disruptive Week’ After Arsenal Defeat

Ange Postecoglou (Nottingham Forest)
September 2025

Ange Postecoglou defended his Forest squad after their 3-0 defeat to Arsenal, stressing that a chaotic week following his sudden appointment left players unsettled. He said their “endeavour and effort” could not be faulted despite struggling to compete throughout the match. The ex-Spurs boss admitted the game slipped away after Arsenal’s second goal but promised his style would take shape immediately. Declaring “this is not a project,” he vowed fans would see his imprint as soon as their midweek clash with Swansea.

Arsenal Fans Mock Postecoglou in Emirates Rout

Ange Postecoglou (Nottingham Forest)
September 2025

Ange Postecoglou endured a tough first week at Nottingham Forest as Arsenal fans taunted him with chants of “sacked in the morning” during their 3-0 victory at the Emirates. The chants reignited hostilities after his Tottenham past. Goals from Martin Zubimendi and Viktor Gyokeres put Arsenal in control before Zubimendi added a third. Supporters then mocked Postecoglou, targeting both him and the Forest players with chants like “are you Tottenham in disguise?” on a miserable debut outing.

City Secure Rico Lewis With Long-Term Extension

Rico Lewis (Manchester City)
September 2025

Rico Lewis has signed a new two-year extension keeping him at City until 2030, with an option to 2031. Despite transfer interest, the lifelong academy graduate stressed City “mean everything” to him and celebrated the “special moment” for his family. Lewis vowed to keep improving under Guardiola and give everything for the fans. The deal rewards his loyalty, ensuring his role in City’s future plans after rejecting Forest’s interest this summer. He called it an “honour and privilege” to stay.

Tottenham’s Frank Pays Tribute to Levy’s Legacy

Thomas Frank (Tottenham Hotspur)
September 2025

Spurs boss Thomas Frank admitted shock at Levy’s sudden departure after 24 years as chairman. He praised Levy for transforming the club with the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and Hotspur Way training complex, laying foundations to compete with Europe’s elite. Frank revealed he personally thanked Levy for appointing him before his exit, stressing Spurs owe much of their modern stature to his vision. Though surprised, he insisted the club must now look forward and build on Levy’s legacy.

Saka and Saliba Committed to Arsenal’s Future

Bukayo Saka, William Saliba (Arsenal)
September 2025

Arteta revealed Saka and Saliba want to stay long-term, despite ongoing contract talks. Both have two years left and remain key to Arsenal’s project. Saliba also handed the club a boost by returning early from injury ahead of Nottingham Forest. Arsenal are optimistic of securing extensions, with sporting director Andrea Berta leading negotiations. Interest from Real Madrid lingers, but Arteta stressed both players are motivated to write history at the Emirates, joining teammates who already signed new deals this season.

Ex-City Winger Musampa Arrested in Tax Fraud Probe

Kiki Musampa
September 2025

Dutch authorities arrested former Manchester City winger Musampa over alleged €100k tax fraud, accusing him of misreporting residency while earning income in the Netherlands. Investigators seized documents and luxury watches during a raid at his home. Released after questioning, Musampa denies wrongdoing. He played 45 games for City from 2005–06 and now serves as Ajax reserves’ assistant coach. The case raises questions over financial transparency for ex-players involved in coaching and side ventures.

Tottenham Legend Roberts Reveals Cancer Battle

Graham Roberts
September 2025

Former Spurs defender Graham Roberts announced he is undergoing radiotherapy and brachytherapy for prostate cancer. Sharing a heartfelt message, he launched a fundraising appeal for Prostate Cancer UK, aiming to raise awareness while undergoing treatment himself. Tottenham and fans rallied behind Roberts, reposting his call. His daughter Hollie is walking 5km daily throughout October to support the Prostate United campaign. Roberts vowed to join her when possible, turning his fight into a platform for saving lives.

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